History of the Holiday and Interesting Facts

The history of Independence Day started in 1990. However, the struggle for the country's independence began much earlier. On January 22, 1918, Ukrainians declared the independence of their state through the Fourth Universal of the Ukrainian Central Rada. A year later, in 1919, on the same day, the official unification of the Ukrainian People's Republic and the Western Ukrainian People's Republic took place in Sophia Square in Kyiv. For the first time since Kyivan Rus, the historical Ukrainian regions united into a single state. Unfortunately, the unification of the UNR and the ZUNR did not occur then. Still, the proclamation process had a significant impact on the political situation in the country. On August 24, 1994, the first military parade dedicated to the proclamation of Ukraine's Independence occurred on Khreshchatyk Street in Kyiv. The first President of independent Ukraine was Leonid Kravchuk.

День Незалежності в Києві 24 серпня 2019 р

How Independence Day Is Celebrated

The holiday has always been marked by grandeur, especially in Kyiv. Military parades, concerts, actions, and festivals are organized here. Ukrainians wear embroidered shirts (vyshyvanky), carry blue and yellow flags, or attach ribbons in national colors to their clothing, bags, and accessories. They sing Ukrainian national songs that glorify the homeland. In 2023, we will celebrate 32 years of Ukraine's independence. We cannot celebrate the most important national holiday as usual for the second year due to the threat of a massive missile strike from Russia. However, small symbolic events are planned in Ukraine.

Unity Chain

We can celebrate our unity together, no matter where we are, with utmost sincerity:

• Join video calls with loved ones.
• Express love for Ukraine on social media.
• Remember our heroes and greet soldiers.
• Also, join the Unity Chain initiative.

On the initiative's website, they propose that on August 24, at 7:00 PM Kyiv time, Ukrainians from around the world, in all countries and continents, unite for Ukraine's Independence Day to form a living chain of unity. To participate, registration on the website is required.

For more details, visit the Unity Chain initiative's website.

Короткий перелік святкових подій з 22 по 24 серпня в Україні:

• Official raising of the State flag.
• Exhibition of enemy armaments and military equipment samples.
• Numerous other exhibitions (in museums and outdoors).
• Prayers from religious organizations for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
• Evenings of poetry.
• Premiere screening of the film "Dovbush" in cinemas.
• Charity screening of the film "Independence Day."
• Ukrainian-Italian project "Embroidered Unity."
• From August 24th to 27th, 2023, in Lviv, the presentation of the National Sorochyn Fair will take place for the Independence Day of Ukraine under the slogan "East and West together!"

From August 24 to 27, 2023, in Lviv, a presentation of the National Sorochynsky Fair will take place, dedicated to Ukraine's Independence Day, under the theme "East and West Together!"

Where to Celebrate Independence Day in Switzerland

In specific cities, activities are planned for Independence Day of Ukraine.

In the Canton of Bern

Two days of celebrations in Bern.

On August 25, 2023, at 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM:
Gathering place - Bundesplatz

Ukrainian live music, children's choir, poems by Yevheniya Senyk.
Ukrainian and globally recognized classical music works by Ukrainian and European musicians.

On August 24, 2023, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM:

Ukrainian traditions and culture for all. Including information tents, souvenirs, sweets, face painting, a photo zone, calligraphy, and an art exhibition.

In the Canton of Zurich

On August 24, 2023, at 6:30 PM:
Gathering place - Helvetiaplatz.

In the Canton of Geneva

On August 24, at 5:30 PM:
Gathering place - Place de Nations.

Festive procession in honor of Ukraine's Independence Day.

Sorochynsky Fair will take place on August 26, 2023, in the cantons:

Geneva - from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Rte de Saint-Loup 12, 1290 Versoix

Vaud - from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Av. de Béthusy 7, 1005 Lausanne

Contests, workshops, dances, crafts, treats, and many other interesting activities.

Search for information about Ukraine's birthday celebrations in your canton's social media groups.